Mahad bridge collapse: PIL seeks action against NHAI, govt officials

Mumbai: A PIL has been filed in the Bombay High Court seeking action against National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Maharashtra government officials in connection with the collapse of a British-era bridge near Mahad in Raigad district.

On the night of August 2, the bridge constructed over Savitri river on the Mumbai-Goa highway collapsed following which two State Transport buses and some other private vehicles fell into the river.

So far, 26 bodies have been recovered during search and rescue operations.

Petitioner Pranay Sawant, a former Assembly member from Mahad, has sought action to be initiated against the bureaucrats who conducted structural audit of Mumbai-Goa national highway.

Sawant also urged the high court to pass directions ensuring that those responsible for the bridge collapse and the consequent loss of life, be booked on homicide charges.

The PIL was mentioned before a division bench of Justices VM Kanade and MS Sonak which posted it for hearing on August 12.

Sawant has sought NHAI to be made liable to pay for the expenses incurred in the rescue operations following the bridge collapse mishap.